1947
The class of '47 has a lot going for it, right now. We've just come off our 40th reunion, June 15-18. Everyone seemed to feel this was about our most fun and enjoyable gathering. Not as big or lively as the 25th—but in terms of a pleasing, refreshing Dartmouth revisited, quite super.
It wasn't only the 98 percent perfectly beautiful weather; not only the clean, green neat campus; not only the fine food, nor the poignancy of the Memorial Service, nor for the familiar Tuck Drive tent scene, nor even the natural phenomenon of 99 of Dartmouth's more brilliant stars gathered.
Perhaps it was all these things coming together, to give us the perfect setting and outlook, but most certainly it can be said that the people made it great.
I think the biggest impression that those who attended wish to impart to those who were unable, would be:
• It was so easy to begin, very little ice to be broken.
• We have a lot in common.
• It was so enjoyable, we'll be looking
forward to the next one (note; 1991, 4 years).
• It's relaxing, there's something for everyone, and its first-class. Consider:
• 99 classmates, 175 people, our most since 25th;
• 12 men back for the first time, all loved it;
• the enthusiasm carried over, as eight new couples signed up for our fall meeting at Norwich Inn, October 9-10.
And for Dartmouth, there was something as well: our best single year's Alumni Fund, $205,000; a 40-year total of $3.9+ million to Dartmouth, by our class. Not shabby. FrankWeber and Jim Osborne, we'll miss your touch. We '47s have great reason to be proud and pleased.
What better way to use up the allotted few hundred words, than to name names. We begin with our highlights: the banquet emceed by Allen Bildner at the Hanover Inn. Al and Joannie lend a lot of charm to a fine occasion, and Al immediately jogged us out of our formality by opening up the competition for some '47 excesses.
Dave Erlich traveled the furthest distance, from Camarillo, Calif.—this after drawing great circles through Hanover from six or eight towns in California. Actually, this was only .because John andBetsy Tower had already departed from home in Anchorage, Alaska—Betsy had arrived via Sweden. The Towers get our most honorable mention.
Pat and Ruth Martin, the longest married, 41 years. Most recently married: Dexand Kay Brooks, May 25, and still on honeymoon. Hank and Margie Williams, most children of those present. Ted and GailClark brought the youngest child, our sweetheart, Dorie, eight years old, going on 18, ping-pong wise. Don and Mary Ruegg claimed most grands—l3, thereby nosing out Ham and Dottie Chase (11), (who consequently must be quite a bit younger). No one claimed a prize for any great-grands, nor was there a murmur for the prize to anyone pregnant.
Joe Hayes claimed the golfing title, with Marty Marino, Jim Oz and Frank Weber scoring honors. Norma Schribman won the women's tennis titles, and Dex Brooks and Sally Epstein handed each other prizes for tennis excellence.
How about that auction with Easy JoeHayes and Shill Ed Grady. Tom and BarbLeggat won the food basket this year, and a lot of "good stuff" found new owners.
Our seminar on Planet Earth? We exposed some problem areas and moderator Dave Squire will pass on our findings to the authorities.
Looking trim in a canoe: Marty andGinny Marino, Hank and Maxine Brezinski, Dick Leary with Ralph and JanetDeFonce, and Fritz and Beverly Alexander (why does the bow ride so high?"). Best drivers: Alice Leary in her powered rocker, and Ted Clark in his white stretch limo. Looking dapper: Pete Larson and mustache, Pete Vogt, Ed Breyer, George Cohn,Len Kojm, and Tom Harrington. Hard luck story: Bun Harvey, grazed by a driverless car the day before, but Vicky brought him up. Happiest classmate: Alan Epstein, president-elect. Courage galore: several, but Alice Leary and Beep O'Shea were the most devilish. Good to see you category: Bob andNancy Motlong, Norm Fink, Bear and JudiDavis, Dave Erlich, Mike and Fran Pender,John Mansfield, and Walt and Dorothy Peterson. Plus all you guys coming from the south and west of White River Junction. Memory Lane: wasn't it nice to hear about Indians in the songs and to hear the Decibelles?
Who closed the tent each night? JackZimmerman, Jack Kevill, Paul Hennegan, and Beep O'Shea. I could go on and on, but John Trethaway promises an early newsletter with pictures, so see you October 9-10 at the Norwich Inn.
63 Maple Avenue Keene, NH 03431
